chrysler uconnect

Click above to view a video of the Chrysler UConnect system.

Chrysler's wireless, in-car Internet system will be made available beginning on August 25th, with pricing set at $499 for the Uconnect equipment, a $50 installation at the dealer, a $35 initial activation charge and a service fee of $29 per month. The cost of the system might be bearable for business users, but everyday consumers may be content with their Edge or 3G-enabled smartphones for mobile web browsing and email.

Check out our original post on the UConnect system here and view a video demonstration of the system in action here.

Though we've known Chrysler has been planning to offer in-car internet connectivity on its 2009 models as an option through Mopar for a few months now, the Auburn Hills-based automaker has now given it an official name and bundled the technology with a suite of in-car tech solutions. Called uconnect web, the in-car wi-fi capability will be offered alongside other technologies called uconnect phone, uconnect tunes, uconnect gps and uconnect studios.

Chrysler just issued a press release detailing all the new technology that will soon be available in many of its 2009 model year vehicles, and the highlight would have to be the UConnect communications system that looks to compete with some aspects of Ford's Microsoft-powered SYNC system. UConnect appears to be a fancy name for Bluetooth phone integration coupled with voice recognition technology. In addition to pairing up your phone and downloading your address book, you can also input navigation destinations, change satellite radio stations and get to your voice mail using the power of speech.